It might still be chilly outside but this is an ideal time to plan ahead to spring and summer\u2026 especially if you\u2019d like to make more of your outdoor spaces when the sun comes out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ufeffAccording to the old tradesman\u2019s saying, \u2018if it can be a millimetre wrong, it can a millimetre right.\u2019 There\u2019s something rather admirable about someone who\u2019s a stickler for precision, and a stickler for quality… and happily those are among the values integral to the work of Precision Landscapes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the team also embody other essential skills for garden and landscaping designer, not least among which are creativity, unsurpassed knowledge of both soft and hard landscaping, and exceptional skills in communicating with their clients to help them establish their goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Andrew Drake moved from his native Somerset 25 year ago, and established his South Luffenham garden and landscaping design practice, Precision Landscapes, with his partner Niki and brother-in-law Matt. The team is also aided by in-house horticulturalist Sue Drake, who is able to create her soft landscaping schemes that complement the team\u2019s design and construction skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s no good to specialise in just a single aspect of landscaping or garden design,\u201d says Andrew. \u201cThere are a lot of different skills within the overall profession. For example, clients more often update the decoration in their reception rooms or commission a new kitchen than they create new outdoor spaces.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo when it comes to garden design, the look and feel of their garden or outdoor space is less well-considered, and there are many technical aspects from drainage to the longevity of materials to how both hard landscaping and soft landscaping will interact, which necessitates careful consideration.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo the first skill, long before we begin work, is to take the client on a collaborative design journey which enfranchises them and utilises technology like 3D visuals. Such a design process ensures that every aspect of how they will use and maintain their space is considered to ensure it looks good and remains well-used throughout its life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis consultation also helps to provide advice on budgeting and timescales. There\u2019s no such thing as a space that is too small, too large, too awkwardly shaped or one that defies a reasonable budget. However, bringing all of those considerations together into one project requires a cohesive approach to design with experience, technical knowledge and flair.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNext, it\u2019s really important to maintain an understanding not just of how a landscaping project will look, but how to construct it in a way which will ensure longevity. There\u2019s no point designing something which deteriorates quickly, looks scruffy and potentially becomes dangerous because a landscaper has chosen poor materials or done a poor job of executing fundamentals like drainage or foundations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe consideration of both hard landscaping (the construction elements) and planting (soft landscaping) together is also important, again to ensure a client\u2019s expectations are met and their space looks as good as possible all throughout the year… that\u2019s Sue\u2019s talent!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd finally there\u2019s the way the job is completed. Only tidy, safe, polite and punctual professionals should be trusted to bring your project together.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThose are the skills that a really professional landscaping and design company needs, and it\u2019s those skills that the whole Precision Landscapes team has in abundance… that\u2019s why we love working together and it\u2019s how we\u2019re able to make our clients happy with the journey as well as their final project.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n